A social worker career can take its toll emotionally. It can be both physically and mentally draining to work with clients with a range of physical needs and behavioural difficulties. It’s very difficult to watch people you’ve worked with over a long period of time deteriorating and possibly dying. Unfortunately, social workers are often under pressure due to a lack of funding, and it’s often the case that they work long hours or are asked to work double shifts, adding workplace stress to their problems.
Shift work is notoriously draining and can impact on your long-term health. Many people working in social care will be asked to work odd hours, or do overnight shifts in their place of work where they may not get a full night’s sleep.
Here’s some advice on how to manage the work-related emotional impact of your career.
Insist on breaks
Although staff shortages mean you’ll often be asked to work extra shifts, make sure you put yourself first. Social care is physically demanding and it’s important to get the rest you need between shifts. Make sure you take regular breaks during the day and also eat properly. Take time out after stressful workplace situations.
Stand up for yourself
Don’t accept poor working conditions or being treated badly by management. If you have a problem and it isn’t being resolved to your satisfaction, vote with your feet. A shortage of social care workers in the UK means that the power is in your hands to insist on proper working conditions.
Look for warning signs
Signs that your social worker career is impacting on you negatively include sleeping badly, being irritable, drinking to switch off and not being able to stop thinking about work when you’re off shift. Watch out for signs that you’re experiencing stress and find healthy ways to manage it. Exercise is a terrific way to handle stress. Consider a short burst of intense exercise, such as a quick run around your local park, or a swim, between work and home in order to unwind. It will also help you sleep.
Give yourself emotional distance
If you’re finding your work to be affecting your emotional health, there are a number of techniques that you can use to distance yourself. These include writing down your thoughts on a bit of paper or trying mental exercises that promote mindfulness. Some people find it helpful to visualise sitting by a stream and seeing all their worries float by. Communicating your worries with a person that you trust can also help you.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
[…] With the business of life constantly swirling, it can feel like there is never any downtime. And the truth is, you likely won�t find it unless you plan it in. After all, breaks are an essential part of work-life balance. […]